Jacob joined in on the second stanza, holding his voice back, harmonizing with Harriet but never overwhelming her with his powerful baritone. His eyes rested on Harriet as they sang, as if he was hypnotized. As if he was in love.

Christina glanced at Mimi. Mimi was smiling smugly.

They arrived at the final stanza, their voices as shining as stars.

Tears spilled down Christina’s face. She applauded, shaking her head in wonder.

“That was stunning. Harriet, I had no idea you could sing,” she said.

“Oh, well, there are a lot of things you don’t know about me,” Harriet retorted, smiling triumphantly.

“What do you think now?” Mimi inquired with a contented smile.

“I think we absolutely should do it!” Christina said. “Harriet’s voice would melt a heart of stone.”

“So, Christina,” Harriet asked, “would you like to solo on a carol?”

Her Inner Christina snorted: You must be kidding. “No, Harriet. I can scarcely sing on tune, and my voice is weak. Maybe we can sing a jolly song where the four of us can pitch in together, and you and Jacob can drown out me and Mimi.” Christina turned to Mimi. “I’m assuming you can’t sing like Harriet.”

“I don’t think many people in the world can sing like Harriet,” Mimi replied.

“You have an excellent voice, too, Jacob,” Christina told him.

“It’s okay, but nothing like Harriet’s. Still,” Jacob said, smiling shyly at Harriet, “I think we make a harmonious pair.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Christina told him.

“Now,” Mimi said, taking charge. “We’ve discussed what other carols to sing. We thought we’d start with ‘White Christmas’ as we approach Oscar’s house. It’s got three stanzas. We can sing them over again while we wait for the door to be opened and Oscar to see us. When he’s there, Harriet can immediately begin with ‘In the Bleak Midwinter.’ After that, we’ll change moods and sing ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland.’ They’re all grown-up songs, ones he’s sure to know. People respond to music they know.”

“Can’t we have one childish song for Wink?” Christina asked.

“Good idea!” Mimi said.

“How about ‘Away in a Manger’?” Jacob suggested.

“Let’s have something fun,” Christina told him. “ ‘Frosty the Snowman’?”

“I like that,” Harriet said.

Immediately Jacob agreed. “Me, too.”

Christina glanced at Mimi. The other woman gave her a devilish smile. “We can put ‘Frosty’ in before ‘Winter Wonderland.’ And that’s all. We should keep it short. People don’t like to stand there smiling at carolers forever.”

“I agree,” Harriet said.

“I agree, too,” said Jacob.

“Should we practice now?” Christina asked.

“Why not?” Jacob asked. He was clearly enjoying himself.

“Maybe we could all have a tiny glass of wine to wet our whistles?” Mimi suggested.

“Absolutely!” Christina rose and hurried into the kitchen.

“I’ll help,” Mimi said, following.